Jetslagged!

What is it about changing time zones too quickly? And especially the second time in a week or so?
( little stuff )

I'm hungry at the wrong times, I keep having bursts of energy followed by utter exhausted what-am-I-doing bewilderment, and I don't even have the excuse of being sick to fall back on. Still, time for Dumb Mike to fill in some forms, I guess. Tote that bale and sort papers while we wait for the biological clock to adjust itself to the external one again, I guess.

Writing Excuses Episode 18: Questions and Answers At Conduit

Writing Excuses Episode 18: Questions and Answers At Conduit

http://www.writingexcuses.com/2008/06/08/writing-excuses-episode-18-qa-at-conduit/

Guest Star: Dan Willis

Distinct voices for characters, finishing your story, avoiding second act slump, and naming characters - you asked for it, you got it!

( Questions and Answers )

Existentialism, wherefore art thou?

From the LJs . . .  Apparently I are an existentialist, with a bit of hedonism and utilitarianism. Equivocal on the justice and fairness end, and rather down on strong egoism, kantianism, divine command, apathy, and nihilism. Interesting.
( The Details . . . )

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Writing Excuses Episode 19: Plot Twists

Writing Excuses Episode 19: Plot Twists

http://www.writingexcuses.com/2008/06/15/writing-excuses-episode-19-plot-twists/

Guest Star: Michael Stackpole

15 minutes long, because you're in a hurry and Mike Stackpole is that smart.
( Plot Twists and other barbed plots )

Some Key Ideas I pulled out:

• Plot twists - surprising, yet inevitable.
  
• Don't dilute the impact -- make it strong, quick, and hurt a lot.
  
• Effective plot twists are well foreshadowed -- but you probably do that in revision.
  
• You also need misdirection and red herrings.
  
• Plot twists fulfill your promises, but not the way that the reader expects.
  
• Keep the reader guessing!